Effect of Curcumin Supplement on Pulmonary Functions, Total and Differential White Blood Cell Count, Serum Level of Leptin and Body Mass Index in a Sample of Iraqi Patients with Chronic Bronchial Asthma

Abstract

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation together with increased oxidative stress that lead to clinical symptoms of asthma. 
 Obesity is a known risk factor of asthma as the obesity is correlated with systemic inflammation and airway restriction. Curcumin, a natural product derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa (Turmeric), has a wide range of beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory and weight reducing agent. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of curcumin as supplement therapy on the pulmonary function, total and differential white blood cell count and metabolic status of chronic bronchial asthmatic patients. It is a prospective randomized controlled interventional study carried out on 40 patients visiting Al-Yarmouk teaching hospital and conducted from October 2017 to April 2018. The patients were allocated into group1; include 17 asthmatic patients assigned to receive conventional therapy for asthma alone, and group 2; include 23 asthmatic patients assigned to receive conventional therapy for asthma plus 750 mg curcumin capsule twice daily for two months. Results revealed significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) in group 2 patients after two months(P<0.01). The total white blood cell count didn’t show any difference after treatment except decrease in neutrophil count after curcumin supplement (p< 0.05). The leptin level and body mass index present with no significant difference in both groups after two months (p >0.05).

Adjunctive nano‐curcumin therapy improves inflammatory and clinical indices in children with cystic fibrosis: A randomized clinical trial

“…In a study by Jusufovic et al ( 2017 ), which evaluated the effect of curcumin plus inhaled corticosteroids in adults with known asthma, a significant change in FEV1 was observed in the curcumin group after 2 months. Moreover, in a study by Khdair et al ( 2019 ) involving obese asthmatic patients with the chronic bronchial disease, curcumin improved the FEV1 and the FEV1/FVC ratio.…”

“…asthma, a significant change in FEV1 was observed in the curcumin group after 2 months. Moreover, in a study by Khdair et al (2019) involving obese asthmatic patients with the chronic bronchial disease, curcumin improved the FEV1 and the FEV1/FVC ratio.…”

Curcuma longa and curcumin affect respiratory and allergic disorders, experimental and clinical evidence: A comprehensive and updated review

“…In a prospective randomized controlled interventional study, 23 asthmatic patients were assigned to receive conventional therapy for asthma plus curcumin capsules for 2 months. The results revealed significant improvement in FEV1 and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients after 2 months 61 . A placebo‐controlled, single‐blind study on 150 nonsmokers patients with asthma showed an improvement in FEV1% after 3‐month treatment with curcumin 62,63 …”

“…The results revealed significant improvement in FEV1 and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients after 2 months. 61 A placebo-controlled, single-blind study on 150 nonsmokers patients with asthma showed an improvement in FEV1% after 3-month treatment with curcumin. 62,63 In Asian older adults, increasing levels of curcuminsrich curry intake (at least once monthly) were associated with higher mean adjusted FEV1 and FEV1/FVC%.…”